Born Blake Harris and raised in the streets of West Philadelphia, Blake began rapping at an early age. From the time he was a child he had a charisma and charm that matched his oppressing talent. It wasn’t hard to notice Blake and he quickly became friends with Philadelphia’s own Gillie da Kid before he was in Junior High. Blake became submersed in Hip Hop and constantly tried to improve his lyrics and challenge his own rhymes. It was During this time Blake was asked to appear on Major Figgas Mixtape “Enemy of the State” in 1999. Blake was only 13.
The appearance on that mixtape lead to opportunities to work with artists such as Gillie Da Kid , Silk da Shocker and No Limit. One rapper from the Southwest in particular signed to No Limit named Desperado AKA Lefty, started listening to Young Blake through a friend and instantly took a liking. Desperado made it known that he thought this kid had talent. It was no surprise when Silk the Shocker approached Blake and signed him to No Limit. In true Hip Hop fashion, Blake did an exclusive Freestyle over Jay-Z’s Renegade beat telling the story of getting picked up by No Limit. It can still be heard today. Things ended suddenly with Silk the Shocker but despite the struggle, Blake kept moving and met the well known and famous manager Siddiq in 2002.
At the time, 923 Watt Street had been the home to High School talent shows. Blake was Overbrook High School’s front runner and consistently competed in these showcases. One of the judges named Coz (Cayande Beaty) was friends with Siddiq. Years past and unexpectedly, Blake came across Coz one day at the Rocawear store and Siddiq happened to be there talking to Coz. Blake left the store unknowingly but felt the need to go back and prove himself. He freestyled while Siddiq and the forming crowd gathered to watch true hip hop be performed right in the middle of the store. Coz instantly remembered that flow from those talent shows back in the day. That moment started the relationship with Blake and his former managers Coz, Larry Rucker and road manager Cousin E. Coz went to unparalleled heights to support Blake in his career and was a key player in Blake's success.
Not too long after, BIake received a call from Siddig. Siddiq told Blake that Stevie G, who was Beanie Sigel’s manager, was gathering all the hottest rappers in the city for a Video and Blake needed to be there. Trusting Siddiq’s judgment, Blake went to Stevie G’s house. In the room there was all the underground rappers he had been watching on DVD’s, people like Cyssero, NH, etc. Never missing his chance to prove his skills, Blake rapped two versus for Stevie G that day and left feeling confident. Those original two verses Blake rapped for Stevie G are now youtube famous. The very next day he received a call from Interscope Records.
Interscope was using Stevie G’s video for a reality series call “The Next Episode” which aired on Showtime and Blake had been chosen as one of two emcee’s it would feature. “The Next Episode” would be a series to showcase genuine hip hop talent and film the transformation of emcee’s in their home city.
The TV cameras arrive and Blake’s autobiography was filmed in Philadelphia. He was videotaped from the time he woke up to the time he went to sleep and everything in between. From going to the studio, going to the mall, at his house, going to clubs, etc.
At the end of the Philly edition episode, Blake battled LP and won Philly Supremacy. With increasing popularity from the show, Blake then scored a virgin mobile commercial which was aired worldwide on the Radio in 2003. That commercial only brought more success for Blake including a feature in the Philadelphia Weekly and numerous other publications and websites.
With the show gaining critical acclaim and Blake now known for his acute battle skills and witty comebacks, it was the perfect time to get his music back on the streets. “Past Present Future the Mixtape” was released and to no avail proved that Blake was a force to be reckoned with in the Hip Hop world.
He is not only a lyricist, musician, and performer – Blake is also a savvy business man. Tamiko "Koko" McPherson, CEO of Ichiban Apparels, approached Blake about being the head promoter for the company. In addition, Blake is actively involved with Harris Tours, the bus company that his father Edward Harris started in Philadelphia. So what’s next for this legend in the making? Look for “Less than God, More than Man” to be dropped in the beginning of 2008. This album shows the transition of Blake from a kid on the streets to man of true genius and talent. With new management, new producers, videographers, designers … well you get the picture. Look for Blake on every website, in every store, and on every stage … he will be hard to miss.
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